Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion

Share via e-mail

Disney is paying $4.05 billion to buy Lucasfilm Ltd., the production company behind ‘‘Star Wars,’’ from its chairman and founder, George Lucas. It’s also making a seventh movie in the ‘‘Star Wars’’ series called ‘‘Episode 7,’’ set for release in 2015, with plans to follow it with Episodes 8 and 9 and then one new movie every two or three years. The Walt Disney Co. announced the blockbuster agreement to make the purchase in cash and stock Tuesday. The deal includes Lucasfilm’s prized high-tech production companies, Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, as well as rights to the ‘‘Indiana Jones’’ franchise. Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement that the acquisition is a great fit and will help preserve and grow the ‘‘Star Wars’’ franchise. ‘‘The last ‘Star Wars’ movie release was 2005’s ‘Revenge of the Sith’ — and we believe there’s substantial pent-up demand,’’ Iger said. Kathleen Kennedy, the current co-chairman of Lucasfilm, will become the division’s president and report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Lucas will be creative consultant on new ‘‘Star Wars’’ films. Lucas said in a statement, ‘‘It’s now time for me to pass ‘Star Wars’ on to a new generation of filmmakers.’’

Furlong arrested

Authorities say actor Edward Furlong has been arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on suspicion of domestic violence. Airport police say the star of ‘‘Terminator 2’’ and ‘‘American History X’’ was arrested after officers responded to an arrival area late Monday. He was booked on suspicion of felony domestic violence involving a spouse or girlfriend. Police did not identify the person who Furlong allegedly injured. The actor’s divorce from estranged wife Rachael Kneeland is pending.